Appearing on a Channels Television program on Friday, February 9, Prof.
Itse Sagay, a former adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, criticized President Bola Tinubu for the abrupt removal of subsidy, stating that it has caused significant hardship in Nigeria. Sagay suggested that Tinubu should have waited for six months after his inauguration before implementing the fuel subsidy removal, emphasizing the critical importance of petrol in daily life and expressing concern over the immediate rise in the cost of living.
He advocated for patience to allow internal production to increase before subsidy removal, noting ongoing efforts in domestic refining.
Sagay highlighted the commencement of production by Dangote and the nearing completion of the Port Harcourt refinery, suggesting that waiting longer could have eased the transition.
He expressed confidence in the competency of the current administration, despite acknowledging the harsh effects of the subsidy removal and the depreciation of the Naira.
Sagay remarked on his unexpected astonishment at the devaluation of the Naira, cautioning that if not addressed, it could jeopardize government efforts.
However, he remained optimistic about the government’s capability to alleviate pressure on Nigerians, decrease hardship, and ultimately improve the nation’s situation.
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